Yes I've gone. So great. The best part about AX compared to other conventions I think, is just how easy it is to find your way around. I just simply get myself lost at Otakon every year, but AX? Nope. There aren't a lot of the "fails" that happen at some other cons. By that I mean like when someone can't get the lights off or something during a premier (I know that sounds weird, but it HAPPENS). It's just a greatly put together event that anyone who likes anime will love and remember forever.

And I'm not exaggerating. Literally the only way you'll hate this event, is if you hate being around other people. That's it. I find the auction especially interesting. There's nothing more fun than watching rich anime fans having a charity auction.

As for decent manga selection.....have you ever been to a convention by any chance? Dealers rooms are PACKED full of manga and whatever else you could want having to do with anime. With anime expo being the biggest Anime convention in the US, you can expect there to be the most manga you've ever seen in one place. Ever. SUPER cheap too, with crazy deals going on all the time.

Another con that I would argue is better would be Otakon. I mean, it really is better. Anime Expo is really PG compared to Otakon that has the "anime's craziest deaths" and "hentai" panels and things of that nature going on until 2 in the morning. The gaming area is pretty crazy, especially if you're into fighting games, and they do tournaments and such throughout the days. You said you're into manga, well Otakon has a manga library where you can go and check out a book and sit there and read whatever is on the shelves.

Yoko Kanno played at Otakon last year. That should give you a firm grasp of how epic it is.

AX is AWESOME, but I'm 100 percent sure that if Otakon was in the same area as AX (LA), than just as many people would show up to Otakon as AX, if not more. By guest numbers, Otakon is the second largest convention in America, right behind AX.

I went back in 2011. If I recall correctly, all the events are posted online on the website eventually, and you also get a program with a complete schedule when you register on site, and with either of these you can plan your days. One thing I definitely recommend, assuming they're still available and you're willing to spend a bit extra, is to get the Premier Fan pass. It was a bit over $100 when I went, but it gets you to the front of the line for almost everything, and you don't have to spend all your (presumably) valuable time waiting in line. The premier passes were pretty limited in number, and I recall many sessions where the general line had perhaps hundreds of people, while the premier line had maybe 5-20 people, and right to the front you go! The price also includes one concert event ticket (I saw/heard Hatsune Miku/Mikunopolis from the second row and lost my hearing until the next day!), and I think it also gets you into the exhibit/dealer hall one hour earlier than everyone else on the first day. It was well worth it in my opinion.

hey all, its gonna be my 1st time going too. i really want to meet new friendly people. so add me and lets chat maybe we can meet up at the expo i'm hoping to have a lot of fun. i'm gonna be jiraiya this year.

It was my first con, back in 2012, I was pretty young so it was intimidating. The convention center is big and it's PACKED (seems to be getting busier and busier every year).

This will be my 3rd year going and I can honestly say that it never gets old. There is always tons of new and exciting panels, events, meet ups, etc happening and the thrill of meeting others and connection over a common thing will never cease to make me happy!

I have never experience anything negative from the attendees or the staff and everyone is happy and helpful. I go to many conventions around SoCal and I would say this is the best one. I cannot speak for conventions out of state, but this definitely belongs at the top of my list.